The Valentine’s Day Gala, presented by National Bank, is one of the CHU Dumont Foundation’s signature fundraising events. Each year, the evening’s proceeds are invested in the improvement of health care services offered at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre. This year’s Gala will support important projects in three of the hospital’s sectors: Nephrology, the Surgical Suite, and Urology.

Dr. Kathy Ferguson is in charge of the Nephrology Department. “The patient currently receives his or her hemodialysis treatments a minimum of three times per week at the hospital; each treatment lasting about four hours. This makes it very hard for some patients – those working full-time for example. Our goal is to allow some of these patients to receive their treatments at home. A portion of funds raised through the 23rd annual Valentine’s Day Gala will be used to purchase equipment to make this possible. We’re very grateful for this tremendous support!”

More than 500 guests came together for this special evening to improve patient care at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre. The reception in the mezzanine was followed by a sumptuous gourmet dinner prepared by Stefan Müller, Executive Chef at the Delta Beauséjour.

Guests also had the opportunity to participate in a silent and a live auction throughout the evening with many luxurious prizes up for grabs. Prizes included: a “Chef at Home” voucher where Delta Beauséjour’s Executive Chef, Stefan Müller, will come to the lucky winner`s home to prepare and serve a sumptuous dinner for ten people; a trip to Montreal to see a Montreal Canadiens game; and a gift card for two at the famous Windjammer restaurant, including one night’s accommodations in one of the Delta Beauséjour’s suites with breakfast.

“The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre depends on the support of the CHU Dumont Foundation to maintain the level of excellence of the health care services it offers. The Valentine’s Day Gala is one of the most important fundraisers benefitting the Foundation and, by extension, our Hospital. We’re very grateful to the guests and sponsors who contributed to the success of this event. This tremendous show of support will allow us to improve services offered in three departments of our Hospital.”

Réjean Després is Vice President, Personal and Commercial Banking, Atlantic, at National Bank.

“National Bank has been a proud sponsor of the Valentine’s Day Gala since 1995. One of our organization’s priorities is to actively support the economic and social development of the communities we serve – and any good community must allow access to quality health care services. That’s why we’re pleased to continue our partnership with the CHU Dumont Foundation.”

For the Chairman of the CHU Dumont Foundation, Mr. René Collette, the continued support of activities such as this one clearly shows the importance that the population attaches to the work done by the Foundation and is a sign of trust.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of the community for key events like the Valentine’s Day Gala. I think people understand how much their support can make a positive difference in the quality of care offered at the CHU Dumont. Through the years, people have been steadfast in their support, as have our valued partners. This has allowed the completion of several major undertakings that make a direct and concrete difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community. This year’s Gala has been another great example of what we can accomplish when we work together.”